Best Casual Restaurants in Nashville

October 23, 2019 | Advertising Disclosure | Our Sponsors may be mentioned in this article.

As fun as it sounds, you can’t have a special-occasion meal every day. Here’s where to eat a good old casual meal—which involves laid-back attire, an affordable menu, and waiter service—in Nashville.

Pictured: M.L. Rose (Captiol View)

The Best Casual Restaurants in Nashville

M.L.Rose

“Get out without getting fancy” is one of M.L.Rose’s mottos. Expect simple pub food, craft beer, and burgers at this local favorite.

Party Fowl

From the fiery menu to the 13 giant flat screens, nothing about this hot-chicken mecca is subtle.

  • Neighborhood: The Gulch
  • Order This: Hot Chicken Tacos (it comes with a side of chili beans)
  • See the menu

Burger Up

This community-driven restaurant brings together families and friends over locally sourced beef and produce.

  • Neighborhoods: 12 South, East Nashville
  • Order This: Bison Burger (white cheddar, fried red onion and jalapeños, romaine, tomato, honey dijon aioli) with a side of truffle fries
  • See the menu

Pinewood Social

Swing by Pinewood any time of day for a quick refuel—breakfast, lunch, and dinner items are all equally delicious.

Pastaria

In this casual, family-friendly setting, organic pastas and pizzas taste like fine Italian dining. (Yes, even the risotto balls.)

  • Neighborhood: Sylvan Park
  • Order This: Pistachio Ravioli (with mint, lemon brown butter, grana padano)
  • See the menu

Whiskey Kitchen

One of the more casual restaurants under the M Street umbrella, Whiskey Kitchen always hits the spot for lunch or dinner.

  • Neighborhood: The Gulch
  • Order This: Tennessee Cuban (pit ham, pulled pork, TN Beer Mustard, swiss, dill pickles)
  • See the menu

Neighbor’s

Neighbor’s has two locations (Germantown and Sylvan Park), both boasting a chill environment, tasty pub grub, and an excellent selection of brews.

  • Neighborhoods: Sylvan Park, Germantown
  • Order This: Smoked Wings
  • See the menu

The Stillery

A quick sit-down meal is possible in Midtown or Downtown, courtesy of The Stillery. Drinks at both locations are stiff and plentiful.

  • Neighborhoods: Downtown, Midtown
  • Order This: Sonoran Burger (with roasted jalapenos, caramelized onion, bacon, pepper jack, roasted garlic aioli)
  • See the menu

Von Elrod’s

While Germantown has seen a surge in fine dining, this low-key beer garden and sausage house has been welcomed with open arms.

  • Neighborhood: Germantown
  • Order This: Angry Bird (spicy chicken sausage, corn relish, avocado, buttermilk dill ranch)
  • See the menu

The Pharmacy

The Pharmacy’s burgers are indeed like medicine—even if you eat too much, you’ll walk out of this joint with a spring in your step.

12 South Taproom

Cheers to this longtime 12 South gathering spot for friends, families, and—when it’s nice out—their pups.

  • Neighborhood: 12 South
  • Order This: Veggie Melt (mozzarella, basil pesto, zucchini, squash, marinated onion, spinach)
  • See the menu

51 North Taproom

Like its sister property, the 12 South Taproom, 51 North is armed with mouthwatering bar fare and plenty of beers on tap.

  • Neighborhood: The Nations
  • Order This: Gobblin Goat (goat cheese, turkey, sun-dried tomato, spinach, sourdough)
  • See the menu

Bartaco

Check the forecast, then chill outside or inside as you chow down on tacos, rice bowls, and assorted seafood dishes at Bartaco.

Pancho & Lefty’s

If you’re in a time crunch and need to scarf down dinner before a concert or Preds game, take advantage of Pancho & Lefty’s speedy service and easy access to downtown music venues.

Hopsmith Tavern

New to the Nashville scene, Hopsmith shines brightest as a brunch destination or gathering spot for watching a game.

  • Neighborhood: Midtown
  • Order This: Jacked Up Brussels (fried Brussels sprouts, orange segments, spiced pecans, goat cheese cake, candied orange peel, Jack Daniel’s vinaigrette)
  • See the menu

Tenn 16

East Nashville could use more above-average casual restaurants—in the meantime, you can’t go wrong with the fried grub and friendly service at Tenn 16.

  • Neighborhood: East Nashville
  • Order This: Creole pasta (spicy Creole tomato sauce, andouille sausage, bell peppers, onions, celery, penne)
  • See the menu

Mafiaoza’s

While known for its pizzas, Mafiaoza’s has a full roster of pastas, salads, and apps that shouldn’t be overlooked.

  • Neighborhood: 12 South
  • Order This: Brother Fredo pizza (with spinach, alfredo, roasted chicken, artichokes, cheese)
  • See the menu

Flipside

Take a walk on the Flipside if you love retro vibes and are craving chicken of any variety. (Not into poultry? Go anyway and get the tater tot nachos.)

  • Neighborhood: 12 South
  • Order This: Memphis Jack’s Best (with BBQ sauce, bacon, cheddar, pickle)
  • See the menu

Tavern

We can’t say this for every place in town: No matter how long the line is for your meal at Tavern, the wait will be worth it.

The Best Fast-Casual Restaurants

Sometimes even waiter service is a little too fancy for your needs. Here are the top fast-casual restaurants in Nashville.

Hugh-Baby’s

Martin’s

Edley’s

Fido

Hattie B’s

Gabby’s

Taqueria del Sol

Five Points Pizza

Frothy Monkey

Mitchell Delicatessen

Greko Greek Street Food

Grilled Cheeserie

Local Taco

Mas Tacos

  • Cuisine: Mexican
  • See the menu

Vui’s Kitchen

Sunflower Cafe

Nicoletto’s Italian Kitchen

Slim & Husky’s

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